Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Baby Steps

Just a quick post to tell you that I had a lesson yesterday. It was thunderstorming when I got to the barn, but the rain passed in just the perfect time for me to hop on (I rode in my less expensive saddle, juuust in case).

We saw minor improvements in our trot transitions as the lesson progressed. I really have to actively think about asking gently and "bumping" his sides softly instead of one quick heel pressured squeeze as I am primarily accustomed to. I collected him for 3-5 walk strides at the time then rewarded by letting him walk on the buckle. We even got a canter take off in one direction (it was windy and he was feeling good). I felt him really slow down about 30 minutes in, so we ended on that note. He isn't back to where I got him, but he isn't worse. So I will accept it.

I work tonight, tomorrow night AND friday night and then I head down to Eva's for a Lady Antebellum Concert (YAY). I need some best friend time. I'm having a mid-twenties crisis. Granite is having his issues and I'm starting to feel really torn about my career choices and geographic location. Eva is always my voice of reason. Sometimes the reason is to be irrational though, and she knows when its time for me to stop being SO rational and to follow my heart. I am So So grateful and blessed to have her (although I say that often-- I really mean it).

I will be back on Granite on Sunday. I am also feeding for Becky. We have an ancient pony at the farm (aptly named "Pony") however and Becky warned me that she has been having a hard time getting up. I am really nervous about this. And Becky won't have cell phone reception where she is camping! Ahhhh. Cross fingers that I don't have to try to get this pony up (especially before work Monday Morning).

Glad to hear things went better in the lesson. At least you caught the changes early and sounds like you are up to a challenge :) I am supppper jealous of the Lady A concert...should be fabulous! have fun!!

*Meet the Cast*

These "tails" began when a Grad Student bought a Yearling in January of 2009. They have continued to chronicle all of the milestones that have occurred since. Sometimes I rant, sometimes I brag, oftentimes I stress. But, I am always grateful to have the opportunity to own such an amazing creature. Please join Granite and I on our journey as we attempt to go from Grad Student and Baby Horse to Career Woman and Hunter Horse.

Graf Granite

A 17hh, grey, Appendix/ Hanoverian gelding.

Granite's Beginning...

Granite was foaled in April of 2007 at Winding Ridge Farm in Zebulon, NC out of Gairwin and by Skipa Lucky Spring.

Granite's Sister

My aussie/hound mix, Daphne. She is a Horrible dog but a great barn-buddy.

Granite's Aunt

My Best Friend and riding buddy (since 5th grade)! She owns two Morgans and dominates in everything from X-Country to laid back trail riding.

Granite's Cousin

My Best Friend's Morgan Sport Horse, Reno, Joined the family in April 2010.

Granite's Daddy

My handsome and tolerant husband, "TK"

Granite's Di-Aunt

Dianne is my "riding sponsor" she is the one who convinced me to buy a baby horse while in grad school-- yea brilliant idea!